Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov · section 39 of 100

E. Combination of the three groups

The combination of members of the three groups in unison is more common, the presence of the wood-wind imparting a fuller and more evenly blended tone. The question as to which group will predominate in timbre depends upon the number of instruments employed. The most natural combinations, and those most generally in use are:

Vns + Ob. (Fr., Cl.) + Trumpet;
Violas (or 'Cellos) + Cl. (Eng. horn) + Horn;
'Cellos D. basses | + 2 Fag. + 3 Trombones + Tuba.

Such groupings are used for preference in loud passages or for a heavy piano effect.

Examples:

No. 93-94. Snegourotchka 218 and 219—Vns I + II + Cl. + Horn and Vns I + II + Cl. + Trumpet.

Servilia 168—

Violas + Trombones 'Cellos + Trombone + Bass Cl. D. basses + Tuba + Fag. | ] 8 ] 8 | (cf. Ex. 62).

No. 95. Snegourotchka 325—

'Cellos + Violas + Fag. + Trombone D. basses + Fag. + Tuba | ] | 8.

Pan Voyevoda 224—Vns + Fag. + Horn + Vn. + Cl. + Trumpet. (Stopped notes in the brass.)

* Mlada, Act III, after 23—Violas + 2 Cl. + Bass trumpet.

* No. 96. Ivan the Terrible, Act III, before 66—

Bass Cl. + Horn D. basses + C-fag. + Tuba | ] | 8.

* Ivan the Terrible, Overture, 4th bar after 9—Violas + 'Cellos + Eng. horn + 2 Cl. + Bass Cl. + 2 Fag. + 4 Horns. (The melody simplified in the horns.)